Gas network operators extend partnership agreement for H₂ pipelines

Open Grid Europe GmbH and GASCADE Gastransport GmbH will jointly develop core network pipelines in the Wilhelmshaven area with Gasunie Deutschland.

It’s a major step forward for Germany’s hydrogen core network and the development of a national and European hydrogen market: Gasunie Deutschland is joining OGE and GASCADE as a new partner in the Wilhelmshaven-Coastline H₂ pipeline (WKL) and North Sea-Ruhr Link I (NRL I) hydrogen transmission projects. The two lines are part of the hydrogen core network and constitute the first section of the central pipeline link from northern to north-western Germany as part of the country’s future hydrogen transport infrastructure.

Partnership model offers advantages

Gasunie Deutschland is pursuing a partnership-based strategy in the Wilhelmshaven region together with alongside GASCADE and OGE. OGE will retain a majority stake of 51% and continue to lead project development, acting as the main point of contact during the construction phase and subsequent operation of the pipelines. Gasunie Deutschland will acquire a stake from OGE, taking a 24.5% share in each project. GASCADE will continue retain its 24.5% stake in each project. The decision is driven by strategic considerations, particularly in view of the investments required. As part of the initial phase of developing Germany’s hydrogen core network, scheduled for completion by 2032, the three gas transmission system operators will be making upfront investments to lay the foundations for a national and European hydrogen market. The pipeline routes are strategically well positioned in the Wilhelmshaven region, also enabling cross-border hydrogen transport between Germany and the Netherlands as part of an interconnected network. Both WKL and NRL I are already at an advanced stage of development.

Strengthening a national and European hydrogen infrastructure

Whilst the decision is a strategic one, it also sends a clear signal of the partners’ commitment to jointly developing the hydrogen core network and strengthening Europe’s hydrogen infrastructure, thus helping to enable the long-term transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral energy supply.

OGE Managing Director Dr Thomas Hüwener said: “The decision to establish a jointly owned company with GASCADE and Gasunie Deutschland underlines the importance of the Wilhelmshaven-Coastline H₂ pipeline and North Sea-Ruhr-Link I to the hydrogen core network. As gas transmission system operators, we are working together to drive the development of a national hydrogen transport infrastructure, laying the foundations for a future hydrogen value chain at both national and European level.”

Gasunie Deutschland Managing Director Britta van Boven: “Wilhelmshaven will play an important role for the hydrogen ramp-up in Germany and Europe, both as an import hub and as a production centre. We are delighted to work with OGE and GASCADE to develop this key infrastructure, which will help unlock the region’s hydrogen potential. Challenges of national importance are best addressed through collaboration.”

GASCADE Managing Director Christoph von dem Bussche said: “A functioning hydrogen market and a robust hydrogen infrastructure go hand in hand. By investing in WKL and NRL I, we are helping to advance key projects in the Wilhelmshaven region that will serve as catalysts for the development of the hydrogen economy. Together, we are laying the groundwork for connecting producers, importers and consumers and gradually bringing Germany’s hydrogen core network to life.”

About the Wilhelmshaven-Küstenlinie H₂ Pipeline and North Sea–Ruhr Link I projects:

The Wilhelmshaven-Coastline H₂ Pipeline (WKL) will run for approximately 12 km along the Wilhelmshaven coastline, largely through industrial areas, terminating at Voslapper Groden. The DN 1000 pipeline will be designed for a pressure of 100 bar. From Voslapper Groden, the North Sea–Ruhr Link I (NRL I) will continue for approximately 21 km to Sande/Dykhausen, running largely parallel to the Wilhelmshaven Connection Pipeline (WAL). While being larger in diameter (DN 1400), NRL I will also be designed for a pressure of 100 bar. According to the hydrogen core network plan, both pipelines are scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2027.